WBS Pens returning to defensive roots

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins turned in a pair of high-flying, dramatic victories in a span of less than 24 hours last weekend, beating Portland on a Chad Kolarik overtime goal Saturday and coming back from a three-goal deficit to win in a shootout Sunday in Manchester.

Don't get used to it.

"I don't think anyone wants to win games like that consistently," goalie Jeff Zatkoff said. "If you look at (the NHL and AHL), that's not a common trend. Usually if you're giving up that much, there's going to be a flaw in your defensive coverage."

As the Penguins continue their six-game New England road trip with games at Worcester tonight and Friday, expect a return to the team's defensive roots.

They've put themselves in a playoff position with 16 games left in the regular season thanks to a defense that ranks first in the league, allowing 2.30 goals per game.

Two high-octane weekend wins probably won't change that.

"That's a product of our structure and our compete at the defensive end of the ice," Zatkoff said. "I think we're the best defensive team in the league. If not, we're up there. When that's happening, you're going to have a chance to win a lot of games."

Zatkoff stopped 24-of-28 shots Sunday to improve to 3-0 against Manchester, his former team, this season. It was the first time he gave up more than three goals since Dec. 19, a span of 20 appearances.

"I never want to give up more than two," Zatkoff said. "I feel I can keep it under two no matter what chances we give up. Sometimes it's going happen. You're not going to be perfect every game. Those are the nights you hope your forwards can bail you out."

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